Dodgers Were Good, Astros Were Better

Since most of us live here there was a lot of support for the dodgers to win their first World Series since 1988.

But it didn't work out that way when the Houston Astros became World Series champions for the first time in their 56-year history.

Their 5-1 victory over the dodgers Wednesday night left no doubt they were well prepared and quite anxious to prevail for themselves and the people of Houston who were so badly battered in this year's terrible flood.

For now let's put aside our disappointment about the Dodgers' loss.

"We gave our Houston folks some joy at a time when that was exactly what they needed," said Astros star pitcher Justin Verlander.

Both teams should be proud of what they accomplished this season. But all along I thought Houston had the best chance of winning.

The Astros had outstanding hitting and defense but took their biggest step in acquiring Verlander from Detroit in the final minutes of the trade deadline.

The dodgers did well in adding Yu Darvish, an established major league pitcher to team with Clayton Kershaw, but getting Verlander at that time in the season gave the Astros the look of a champion.

The first five batters in the Astros' lineup made major contributions and George Springer is deserving to be the World Series MVP. The dodgers presented a superb lineup too but it was unfortunate Cody Bellinger, their youthful star, went into a deep slump in the playoffs.

"This loss hurts and it's supposed to hurt," said dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "When you put everything you have into a goal and don't achieve it that hurts."

It's not trivial to realize the Astros beat the dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox in the playoffs, the three teams who spent the most money on players.

Jose Altuve, who's likely to be named the American League MVP, is five-foot six but has developed a home run swing in addition to his other talents.

He was a minor league star who worked his way into the majors. He's a great example of a determined guy who doesn't quit.

Congratulations to him and his teammates. And let's say hooray to the dodgers and all they accomplished.